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Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Trenton, New Jersey
There is 1 open waiting list in the Trenton area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 2 housing authorities serving Trenton, New Jersey and updates statuses nightly. Below you will find every PHA in the area with current waitlist status, program types, and direct application links.
If no lists are currently open in Trenton, we recommend applying to nearby cities as well. There is no limit to the number of waiting lists you can join, and many housing authorities accept applications from non-residents.
Affordable Housing in Trenton, New Jersey
Trenton, New Jersey is served by 2 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 1 waiting list is accepting applications in the Trenton area. There are also 138 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Trenton include Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV). Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: Public Housing (1 open).
Latest Opening
Trenton Housing Authority opened its Public Housing waitlist .
About Housing in Trenton, New Jersey
Trenton, New Jersey, is served by two primary housing authorities: the State of NJ Department of Community Affairs and the Trenton Housing Authority. These agencies administer various affordable housing programs aimed at assisting residents. Currently, all 8 housing waitlists in the Trenton area are closed, meaning there are no new applications being accepted at this time.
Programs commonly offered through these authorities include Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Public Housing, State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP), and Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV). While specific waitlists for these programs are currently closed, understanding the types of assistance available is important for future planning. Across the Trenton-Princeton, NJ MSA area, there are approximately 26,853 assisted housing units available.
Eligibility for affordable housing programs is typically based on income. For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit for the Trenton-Princeton, NJ MSA in FY2025 is $63,450 per year. The New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) is the state housing agency that supports many of these initiatives. While no waitlists are open now, prospective applicants should regularly check with both the State of NJ Department of Community Affairs and the Trenton Housing Authority for updates on when new opportunities may arise. Being prepared with necessary documentation can help when waitlists do reopen.
Housing Authorities in Trenton
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How to Apply for Section 8 in Trenton
To apply for housing assistance in Trenton, New Jersey, submit an application directly to one of the 2 housing authorities serving the Trenton area (listed above). Right now, 1 waiting list is accepting applications — apply as soon as possible, as open enrollment periods can close with short notice. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Before applying, gather the following documents for all household members: government-issued photo ID, Social Security cards, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit statements), and proof of current address. For a family of four in this area, income must be below $63,450/year (Very Low Income threshold) to qualify for most programs. Having these ready before a waitlist opens can be the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.
Housing programs available in Trenton include Public Housing, State Rental Assistance Program, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP), Other, SRAP, Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV). Applying to multiple program types simultaneously improves your chances of receiving assistance. After submitting, you will be placed on the waiting list based on the date of your application and any applicable preferences (veterans, elderly, disabled, working families, or local residents).
Trenton, New Jersey Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Trenton, New Jersey, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Trenton-Princeton, NJ MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $63,450 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $126,900.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $26,650 | $44,450 | $71,050 |
| 2 Persons | $30,450 | $50,800 | $81,200 |
| 3 Persons | $34,250 | $57,150 | $91,350 |
| 4 Persons | $38,050 | $63,450 | $101,500 |
| 5 Persons | $41,100 | $68,550 | $109,650 |
| 6 Persons | $44,150 | $73,650 | $117,750 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $78,700 | $125,900 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $83,800 | $134,000 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Trenton use these income limits to determine who qualifies for rental assistance. Your total household income before taxes is compared against the limit for your household size.
Very Low Income (50% AMI) — Most Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and Public Housing programs require your income to be at or below this level. This is the primary eligibility threshold.
Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households at this level often receive priority on waiting lists. By law, housing authorities must allocate a portion of vouchers to extremely low-income families.
Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and locally funded initiatives, accept applicants up to this threshold. Contact individual housing authorities below for their specific requirements.
Nearby Cities with Housing Authorities
Applying to nearby cities increases your chances of receiving assistance sooner. These cities are within 75 miles of Trenton and have active housing programs.